Investigating how a specific protein affects immune response in triple-negative breast cancer
Official title: Immunosuppressive impact of the GPCR/MALT1 protease axis in triple-negative breast cancer
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10994892 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called MALT1 affects triple-negative breast cancer and how it might be making it harder for the immune system to fight the cancer, with the hope of finding better treatments that help boost the immune response.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F30CA294747-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994892 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer who may benefit from novel immunotherapeutic approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other subtypes of breast cancer or those who do not have a diagnosis of breast cancer may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the MALT1 protein in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a type of breast cancer that currently lacks effective targeted therapies. The study aims to explore how MALT1 contributes to immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment, potentially hindering the effectiveness of immunotherapy. By utilizing advanced techniques such as CRISPR, researchers will investigate the mechanisms by which MALT1 influences tumor progression and immune cell behavior. This could lead to new strategies for enhancing immune responses against TNBC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immunotherapy options for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting similar pathways in cancer treatment, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Little, John Walton — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Little, John Walton
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Genomic study to understand how genetics and epigenetics shape triple-negative breast cancer in African ancestry
This study looks at how inherited genes and gene activity affect triple-negative breast cancer in people of African ancestry to better understand why outcomes can be worse.
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Co-Targeting IL-6 and CDK4/6 to Prevent TNBC in Women Veterans
A study aims to block two cancer-promoting pathways (IL-6 and CDK4/6) to prevent or reduce progression of triple-negative breast cancer in women veterans.
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Linking heavy metal exposure to a tougher breast cancer type (TNBC)
Aimed at understanding how heavy metals like cadmium might trigger a dangerous breast cancer type (TNBC) in people, especially those with BRCA1 risk, to identify possible future treatment strategies.
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Dormancy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: How Liver and Skin Metastases Go Quiet or Reactivate
Researchers will study how dormant cancer cells in liver and skin metastases of triple-negative breast cancer become quiescent or wake up, using organ-on-chip models and single-cell analysis to map chromatin states.
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Rac-enhanced CAR-Macrophages against TNBC
A new cell therapy approach uses engineered macrophages with a CAR and Rac2 activation to target and kill triple-negative breast cancer cells expressing CSPG4.
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A new peptide therapy to help treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer
A new peptide therapy called PEG-FUD is being tested to help treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer by normalizing the tumor environment to improve treatment delivery.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.